People have used marijuana to treat their conditions for at least 3000 years. Cannabis has an impressive history of use for medical purposes. As marijuana is becoming legal in many states all over the US, we can see the growth of its popularity for recreational and medical purposes. Today you can get some in special dispensaries. If you are from San Francisco, here is the list of the best San Francisco dispensaries.
What is marijuana?
Marijuana is a plant from the cannabis family that has grown wild throughout the globe for ages. People have used it for various reasons, including to relax. Marijuana might have a pleasurable effect and soothe symptoms like anxiety or chronic pain.
There are a few ways to consume marijuana. They are:
- Smoking;
- Vaping;
- Edibles, like gummies, candies, etc;
- Capsules or supplements;
- Applying it as a topical treatment.
Marijuana is a psychoactive substance that can make you high. There are about 120 compounds of cannabis. The most prevalent are THC(delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). The main mind-altering compound in cannabis is THC. It has euphoric and psychoactive effects. Unlike THC, CBD has no mind-altering effects and is used in edibles, supplements, and oils. Now, most studies are focused on these two compounds, but researchers are looking forward to finding the effects of other cannabinoids.
Marijuana consumption for medical purposes
These days cannabis is widely used for medical purposes. There are a lot of examples where it can help people with their conditions. Cannabis is used to help with:
- Chronic pain;
- Nausea;
- Some symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS);
- Low appetite
- Anxiety;
- Depression;
- Sleep problems.
In 2018 the FDA approved the first medication derived from cannabis called Epidiolex. It was created to treat symptoms of epilepsy. However, this medication doesn’t contain any THC.
How does marijuana work?
Let’s find out how marijuana affects our bodies when consumed. When you smoke weed, it will go into your bloodstream. After that, it quickly goes to your brain and sticks to the receptors. Marijuana affects our endocannabinoid system. It was discovered only in the 1980s and is responsible for regulating our mood, sleep, pain, memory, inflammation, appetite, etc. When we consume cannabis, it affects receptors in the endocannabinoid system. When we are stressed, it might have a positive effect.
The effect of marijuana could be different and depend on various factors. First, there are no similar human organisms. We are all different and might receive different effects. The second factor is the cannabis itself. If it contains higher levels of THC, it will have stronger effects. CBD isn’t psychoactive and won’t cause hallucinations and paranoia. If the level of THC is lower, it means there is more CBD in the plant.
Can marijuana affect mental health?
Regular cannabis consumption is often linked to an increased risk of anxiety and depression. At the same time, most scientists have focused on the connection between psychosis and cannabis. Let’s find out what we know for sure.
Cannabis is often used for medical purposes to treat anxiety and depression. Where is the truth? Does it cause anxiety or treat it? There was a study from 2010 that found that link between cannabis products and reduced anxiety symptoms in people with anxiety disorders. Researchers scanned the brains of participants and revealed that cannabis changed the situation.
A 2014 study showed that some people consuming marijuana felt anxiety as a side effect. It also says that there is a link between anxiety and higher levels of THC. However, researchers don’t know for sure whether cannabis triggers anxiety or whether people with problems with anxiety tend to use more marijuana.
Cannabis consumption for PTSD, ADHD, psychosis, and Tourette syndrome doesn’t improve the symptoms. One study showed that THC made the symptoms of psychosis even worse. Cannabis use might increase the risks of developing a psychotic illness. It depends on how strong the cannabis you use is and how often you consume it. Scientists state that the connection is not fully understood.
Does cannabis cause mental health problems?
Cannabis might be one of the many causes of developing a mental health problem, but it isn’t the only cause for many people. Not everybody who consumes marijuana will suffer from psychosis. At the same time, not everybody who has psychosis has consumed cannabis. You are more likely to have such problems if you are genetically vulnerable to mental health problems and smoke cannabis.
When we say vulnerable, we mean that you are naturally more like to have such a problem. For instance, if someone in your family has a mental problem, you are more likely to develop one. You are at higher risk when you use cannabis.
